The Oscar-winning actor has starred in a number of boxing films, including Raging Bull, and he pulled no punches during the live television broadcast of Sunday night's Tony Awards.

Before introducing a performance from Bruce Springsteen, De Niro used the f-word in reference to Donald Trump a number of times, which were bleeped out by the CBS network broadcasting the ceremony.

Addressing Bruce Springsteen, De Niro said: "Even more important in these perilous times, you rock the vote. Always fighting for, in your own words, truth, transparency and integrity in government. Boy do we need that now."